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Kesher Israel Committee Social Justice Update: Two Actions to Take Today!

10/18/2018 06:02:42 PM

Oct18

Joanna Berke

The Kesher Israel Committee of TBE has drafted a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the ministers of the Knesset (the legislative branch of the Israeli government). Summarized, the letter reminds them that an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel (Western Wall) was promised to all Jews in 2017, and that work on the prayer space has not yet begun. The letter requests that work commence now.

We are collecting signatures with the intention of sending the letter to the prime minister and the ministers. At last count we have 222 signatures.

For another meaningful project, we are collecting Halloween costumes to be worn during Purim by underprivileged children in one of our sister congregations in Israel, Kehilat Shir Chadash. We’re looking for folks traveling to Israel sometime between December 16 and March 1st who might deliver the costumes to the Rabbi of Kehilat Shir Chadash. Temple will cover the cost of the additional luggage. If you are traveling at that time, or know of others who might be, please contact Nicole A. Jahr, RJE, Director of Lifelong Learning at learn@tbemadison.org. To donate costumes, please place them in the rabbi's tzedakah bin located in the foyer.

The Kesher Israel Committee is always welcoming new committee members, and we are in search of a co-chair as well. Kesher means “connection”, and that is our priority. We engage in projects similar to the ones described above, we bring in speakers from/about Israel, show Israeli films monthly, and attempt to keep congregants abreast of the latest news from the region.

If you are interested in our efforts and would like to be involved, please contact Joanna Berke at jbee199914@aol.com, or 608-298-7493.

April 24, 2024 16 Nisan 5784